Who was St Valentine?
We celebrate Valentine’s Day but who is the Valentine that the day is named after? Never one to do things by halves, the Early Church records at least three possible…
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Jewish ‘Earth Day’
Today, 10 February, is the Jewish festival of Tu B’Shevat – the Jewish ‘New Year for Trees’ – a festival seemingly tailor-made for today’s environmentalists. It is one of the…
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Twelfth Night, Epiphany, and all that!
Epiphany is the first Christian holiday after Christmas, and falls on 6th January, but when is Twelfth Night and are the two related? Most Christians in the UK recognise that…
Read MoreShining a light on Hanukkah
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah started at sunset yesterday (22 Dec 2019). It lasts for 8 days. Hanukkah is known both as the Festival of Dedication and the Festival of…
Read MoreFascinating facts about the shortest day of the year
Today, 22 December, is the shortest day of the year in the UK. In the northern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year is often known as the winter solstice…
Read MoreIs there more to Advent than calendars with daily gifts?
We’re all familiar with Advent Calendars, and that Advent happens in the run-up to Christmas, but what actually is it? Advent is a Christian season that leads to Christmas. It…
Read MoreSikhs celebrate the birth of their founder
Sikhs around the world are joining together to celebrate 550 years since the birth of Guru Nanak – the religion’s founder and first guru. His birth is celebrated worldwide as Guru…
Read MoreRemembrance and Poppies
In the UK, Remembrance Sunday is always the Sunday nearest to 11th November. Poppies have become an important symbol of remembrance. 11th November is Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice…
Read MoreMuslims celebrate the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad
Muslims across the world will celebrate Milad ul Nabi this week, – the festival which marks the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Although Muhammad’s exact date of birth is unknown,…
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Rastafari celebrate the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie
One of the holiest days of their year, Rastafari people are today (2nd November) celebrating Haile Selassie’s accession to the Ethiopian throne. Born Tafari Makonnen, Emperor Haile Selassie I was…
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